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Science comes to life for school pupils at UWE

Bristol's year 12 pupils can become scientists for the day when the University of the West of England opens up its laboratories as part of National Science Week 2008 (7-16 March).

A 'Science Awareness Day' will be held at the Frenchay Campus of UWE on Wednesday 12 March organised by UWE's School of Life Sciences. Year 12 pupils from the local region and year 13 pupils from across the UK will get the chance to see some of the most modern and sophisticated science research laboratories in the South West, tour the School and watch laboratory demonstrations.

Pupils will hear from leading experts in the field of Environmental Sciences, Microbiology and Psychology in a series of specially prepared presentations* designed to stimulate the pupils interest in studying science.

There will also be demonstrations in the laboratories and a chance to speak to academic staff and meet current students who are studying science. The pupils will visit state-of-the-art labs containing equipment that allows students to examine material obtained from scenes of crime, to study genes in plants and humans in normal and diseased tissue and deal with environmental pollution and regeneration.

The University has invited pupils from local sixth form and access colleges as well as all those who have applied to study science at UWE next year (year 13). John Duffield, Dean of the School says, “This is a great chance for young people to see the excellent facilities at UWE and meet staff at the cutting edge of research in science. It's also good to find out more about studying science at university and to appreciate just how exciting hands-on science really is. Science is constantly changing as we unravel the mysteries of the natural world and use new discoveries for the benefit of all. It's really important that young people get the chance to find out about the latest techniques and subjects on offer and how a degree in science can lead to exciting careers.”

National Science week is an annual event which aims to celebrate science and its importance to everyday life. It gives people from across the UK the chance to participate in science activities and experiments and to engage in local science discussions and events. National Science week 2008 runs from 7 – 16 March.

For further details visit http://www.the-ba.net and follow the link to National Science Week from the What's On section